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Driver License Examiner information

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$31.5K

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How much do driver license examiner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for driver license examiner in the United States is $44,856.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,000.00 and $51,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a driver license examiner do?

A Driver License Examiner is responsible for evaluating applicants who wish to obtain or renew their driver's licenses. They administer both written and road tests to assess an individual's knowledge of traffic laws and their ability to operate a vehicle safely. Examiners also verify identification documents, ensure applicants meet all state requirements, and may provide guidance on safe driving practices. Their role helps ensure that only qualified drivers are licensed to operate vehicles, promoting public safety on the roads.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a driver license examiner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Driver License Examiner, you need a thorough understanding of traffic laws, safe driving practices, and procedures for assessing driver competency, typically supported by a high school diploma and relevant state certification or training. Familiarity with computerized testing systems, record-keeping software, and vision or road test equipment is commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help examiners interact effectively with applicants and ensure fair assessments. These skills are important to maintain public safety and ensure that only qualified individuals receive driver’s licenses.

What are some common challenges faced by driver license examiners during road tests, and how are they addressed?

Driver License Examiners often encounter challenges such as test-taker anxiety, language barriers, and ensuring safety for all parties during road tests. To address these, examiners are trained to remain calm and professional, provide clear instructions, and adapt their communication style as needed. They also follow strict safety protocols and may end a test early if they believe there is a risk. Building rapport with applicants and maintaining a fair, unbiased approach are key to successfully managing these situations.

What is the difference between Driver License Examiner vs Vehicle Inspection Officer?

AspectDriver License ExaminerVehicle Inspection Officer
Required credentialsDriver's license, possibly certification in driving testsVehicle inspection certification, safety standards knowledge
Work environmentDMV offices, testing sitesVehicle inspection stations, roadside checks
Employer and industry usageState DMV agencies, licensing departmentsTransportation departments, vehicle safety agencies

While both roles focus on vehicle safety and licensing, Driver License Examiners primarily conduct driving tests and issue licenses, whereas Vehicle Inspection Officers evaluate vehicle safety and compliance through inspections. Each role requires specific certifications and operates in different environments but shares a common goal of ensuring road safety.

More about Driver License Examiner jobs

Who are the top companies hiring for Driver License Examiner jobs?

The top employers for Driver License Examiner jobs are:

What states have the most Driver License Examiner jobs?

States with the most job openings for Driver License Examiner jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Driver License Examiner jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Driver License Examiner jobs are:

Driver License Examiner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Driver License Examiner job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,856 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Driver License Examiner

Sioux Falls, SD • On-site

State of South Dakota

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 50 rated states

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Paid breaks

Learn more about State of South Dakotaexternal

$20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE
Job ID: 37121
Agency: Department of Public Safety
Location: 1501 S Highline Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57110
Salary: $20.00/hr
Pay Grade: E
Closing Date: 09/04/2026
*NOTE* - This position is located at the Sioux Falls Driver Exam Station - located at 1501 S Highline Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57110.
This is a full-time position with the Department of Public Safety - Driver Licensing. For more information on the Department of Public Safety, please visit https://dps.sd.gov.
The hours for this position will be 40 hours a week. This job may require travel to other locations if needed. Typically this is for the workday, but it could require overnight stays depending on the needs of the department.
As a Driver License Examiner, you will have substantial contact with the public under potentially stressful conditions, and you are expected to treat the public in a professional and courteous manner at all times. The job also requires you to work with a diverse group of people and situations and you will also handle very sensitive materials.
Examples of Duties include:
  • Process license and identification card applications. Compute and accept license and identification card fees. Issue receipts and maintain records of transactions.
  • Administer eye examinations, written exams, and drive/skills tests to ensure that only qualified residents of South Dakota are issued a license to drive on the nation's highways. During drive/skills tests you must be able to enter and exit the vehicles used in testing and will need to direct applicants through the road test route and evaluate their driving performance during the exam. At the conclusion of the drive/skills test you will need to inform the applicant on their performance and if they passed or failed the test and place appropriate restrictions on drivers' licenses as needed.
  • Provide assistance and information to the public and other agencies through direct, telephone, and mail contact.
  • Fill in and verify data on license and identification card application forms. Enter information. Compile and tabulate data. Verify accuracy of computations and entries.
  • Count and balance cash, credit card, and check payments and run payments against program totals, correcting for errors.
  • This position may also have you traveling, and during travel time you may be required to lift equipment that weighs approx 50 lbs.

Questionnaire: Applicants will be required to answer a series of job related questions when submitting an application for this job.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
A High School Diploma is preferred.
Knowledge of:
  • South Dakota driver's manual requirements pertaining to the safe operation of motor vehicles;
  • motor vehicle operation;
  • computers.

Skill to:
  • Operate a motor vehicle.

Ability to:
  • read and understand complex information and explain that information in common terms;
  • communicate information clearly and concisely;
  • communicate information relating to state laws, policies, and procedures;
  • deal tactfully and courteously with the public;
  • administer examinations;
  • establish applicant identity and eligibility for ID card, permit, or driver license; issue ID cards and licenses to qualified citizens;
  • multi-task diverse and complex activities;
  • maintain train of thought despite frequent interruptions;
  • lift and carry approx 50 lbs in and out of vehicles and up and down stairs;
  • objectively grade an applicant's driving ability;
  • conduct assigned duties in a uniform and standardized manner;
  • operate computers, cameras, printers, and license processing equipment;
  • potentially travel to other exam station locations and be away from home 1 or more days in a week.

Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your resume. Selected candidate is required to have a valid driver's license.
This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.
Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment.
NCRC: If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, please submit the certificate with your application. For more information on how to acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate contact a South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Job Service Office. A certificate is not necessary to be considered.
The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.
The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.
Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=4N4
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources and Administration
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"
#LI-Onsite

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